Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. II No. 143 (303)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

September 20, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Losing Game?

ON FIRST ANNIVERSARY of SugarHouse Casino, debate still rages over whether gambling is a net plus or minus for Phila. See story page 3.

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Sep. 20Republican S. Jersey Coalition hosts candidates forum Sep. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at N.E. Sheraton, 9461 Roosevelt Blvd. Confirmed candidates include Karen Brown for Mayor, Al Schmidt for City Commissioner and David Oh for Council at Large. Free for members and $20 for “e-team and nonmembers”.

For info (610) 667-1263.

Sep. 22-24 Ch. of Epiphany of Our Lord annual Italian Festival 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Pasta Dinner reservations needed for Thursday Night pasta dinner. Call Mina (267) 240-1992.

Sep. 22Fundraiser for Council candidate Al Taubenberger at SmokeEaters Pub, Frankford & Sheffield Aves., 7-10 p.m. Live music with the Scattered Marbles, dinner buffet, beer and wine. $40/person, $75/couple. For info Lou (267) 505-2182 or feinberg08@aol.com.

Sep. 25Vendemmia Wine & Food Festival, Girard Park, 21st & Porter Sts., 2-7 p.m. supporting Students of Italian heritage in S. Phila. For info www.vendemmifoundation.org.

Sep. 26Spirit of Life Award Reception hosted by Tri State Labor & Mgmt.

Council honor AFL-CIO President Richard W. Bloomingdale and Edward J. Radetich, Jr., CPA and Kyler Award honoree Penna. AFT President Ted Kirsch at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. & Dock St., 6-9 p.m.

Sep. 27Score Philadelphia, Counselors to Small Business, host free technology seminar to help small business THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

grow at Penna. Convention Ctr., 13th & Arch. Seating limited, complimentary lunch. 8:00 a.m.-4:15 pm. For details and to register www.scorephila.org.

Sep. 28Democratic Ward 39B Fundraiser at EOM Club, Front & Moore Sts., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643.

Sep. 30Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco hosts “Party for the People” at H&H Banquet Hall, 2036 E. Haines St., (Haines & Limekiln Pk.), 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $35 in advance. Seating limited. BYOB cabaret style. For tickets (215) 4373294, ext. 209.

Oct. 1 Fishtown Neighbors Association hosts RiverCity Festival at Penn Treaty Pk., Delaware & Columbia Aves., 12-5 p.m. Family fun.

Oct. 2St. Nicholas Ch. Italian Festival on 1700 block S. 9th St., 12-5 p.m., with Procession of Saints from St. Nicholas Tolentine Ch. at 12:30 p.m. Family event. Admission free.

Italian food, entertainment, games.

Oct. 7Mayfair Civic Ass’n hosts Autistic Endeavors Beef & Beer at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $30. For info Barbara (215) 360-1569.

Oct. 9World Premier of modern opera “Adea” by Pennsylvania composer Cynthia Cozette at Lutheran Ch. of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., 3 p.m., followed by reception. Free-will offering will be collected. For info (215) 567-3668.

20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Casino Foes Say SugarHouse Is A Net Loser For City Nearly one year after SugarHouse casino opened, a briefing released

by Casino-Free Philadelphia shows the costs to city residents in financial loss, personal indebtedness, and crime outweigh the benefits by 10 to 1.

“The numbers show a clear loss for Philadelphia and its residents,” said Kaytee Riek, organizational director for Casino-Free Philadelphia. “SugarHouse has done nothing more than siphon money out of the city to send to Chicago investors, and left Philly residents and the city to clean up the mess,” Riek said.

The report shows that people have lost over $232 million at SugarHouse through August. Philadelphia gained a little over $10 million in taxes and other revenue, while their investors have made more than $54 million in profit.

“Especially considering half the losses come from Philadelphia residents alone, SugarHouse hasn’t brought in as much new revenue as was promised. It’s merely redistributed the money from low- and middle-class people of Philadelphia to extremely rich people in Chicago and elsewhere,” said Riek.

In addition, the briefing points out that as many as 500 SugarHouse visitors received “quicksand credit,” or credit issued by the casino only 30 minutes after a gambler requests it for as much as double what’s in a gambler’s bank account.

Jobs at SugarHouse are non-union, and have gone disproportionately to white males. Meanwhile, the number of jobs lost through displacement is unknown, although Fredrick Murphy of Temple University estimates as many as 3.5

jobs would be lost for every one job created by SugarHouse.

94 instances of crimes have occurred on or near SugarHouse, an area that was once a vacant lot with little crime.

The briefing notes as well that the long-term costs of SugarHouse, including increased rates of addiction, bankruptcies, embezzlement, and suicide, are still unknown.

“The real costs of SugarHouse fall under the radar and fall most heavily on those suffering from Pathological and Problem Gambling and on their families,” said Dan Hajdo, board member of Casino-Free Philadelphia. “Those costs, which are disproportionately experienced by minorities and low-income households, can’t be added up easily. And they can’t be justified at all,” said Hajdo.

Treasurer Finds Gaming Growth Is Flattening State Treasurer Rob McCord – an ex officio member of the Gaming Control Board and legal custodian of the Commonwealth’s gaming revenues – today released a detailed analysis of Pennsylvania’s gaming market, saying the study marks the first comprehensive examination of the industry since the legalization of slot gaming in 2004.

25 AUGUST, 2011

Treasurer McCord made his remarks today as he presented the analysis to members of the Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee.

Treasury retained the Innovation Group through a competitive bid process to prepare the analysis, which is intended to serve as a data-driven tool for legislators, policymakers, and the general pubTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

lic as they consider gaming issues in the future.

“The study is the first comprehensive analysis of Pennsylvania’s gaming market performance since the industry’s inception seven years ago,” said McCord. “As Treasurer, I have an interest in ensuring the future viability and growth of State gaming revenues |

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for the benefit of property-tax relief, economic development, and local government support throughout the Commonwealth.”

With an approximate tax rate of 54% on slot gross terminal revenues, Treasurer McCord said the Commonwealth and its citizens are majority shareholders in Pennsylvania’s 10 operating casinos. The state’s gaming industry has generated more than $5 billion in taxes and license fee revenue since the first casino opened in late 2006.

“The Commonwealth has a vested interest in this industry,” said McCord. “As investors, we should better understand the financial performance of our investments, recognize emerging competitive challenges, and identify new market opportunities. This analysis ac-

complishes these important objectives.”

Overall, the Innovation Group found revenues increased steadily since November 2007 and, although some indicators point to the beginning of a saturated market, revenues are expected to continue growing as the market matures.

The analysis also illustrates slot proceeds constitute the bulk of Pennsylvania’s gaming revenues.

In Western Pennsylvania, the study showed slot-machine supply is greater in relation to the gaming population than in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Treasurer noted, “At the moment, demand has not caught up to supply in Western Pennsylvania.

While there may be room for growth, the market may be saturated.”

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In the East, the region has both a higher overall supply of slot machines and a higher win-per-unit, which reflects the greater population density.

“There are clear differences between the sizes of Pennsylvania’s eastern and western markets,” said Treasurer McCord. “In the East, it is clear demand has absorbed supply, which suggests future growth opportunities will be more modest.

“Overall, this study shows the state’s gaming market is maturing.

The days of double-digit growth from month-to-month are likely behind us. We can expect future revenue growth that is more modest or that simply plateaus, but that is not a cue for casino operators to become complacent, as was the case in New Jersey. There are emerging challenges – particularly from Ohio and Maryland – but if we fail to react appropriately, we risk losing market share and hurting State revenues.”

The Treasurer explained in addition to Pennsylvania’s 10 operating casinos, each neighboring state has either legalized or expanded new gaming offerings. The Innovation Group’s report found future casinos in Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio, and nearby points in Maryland, will impact Pennsylvania’s slot performance.

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Despite those emerging competitive pressures, the market analysis showed growth opportunities still exist in Pennsylvania. The Innovation Group identified 11 new markets that could support a gaming facility.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Take Part In Peace Day, Mayor Urges Mayor Michael A. Nutter has released the following statement encouraging Philadelphians to participate in Peace Pay Philly events tomorrow: “Sep. 21 is the United Nations International Day of Peace. It is an international ceasefire and day of nonviolence,” said the Mayor.

“Across the city, more than 40 Peace Day Philly events will be held, promoting nonviolence and humanitarianism. Peace Day Philly’s message of nonviolence is

one that every person can embrace because everyone deserves safe schools, a safe community and a safe city.

“I invite all Philadelphians to observe Peace Day and take part in one of the many activities around the city to show your commitment to keeping Philadelphia a great place to visit, work and live.”

Peace Day was unanimously adopted by the United Nations in 1981. It is internationally accepted

as an invitation to all people and nations to cease hostilities for the day. The 2011 Peace Day theme is “Let Your Voice Be Heard.” Peace Day Philly 2011 is a cooperative volunteer effort by the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia and the Alliance for a Sustainable Future.

For more information on Peace Day Philly or a complete list of activities, contact www.unagp.org/peacedayphilly2011.htm.

Please note updated web address.

EPA Recognizes Regional Supermarkets’ Green Refrigeration The US Environmental Protection Agency announced its 2011 GreenChill partner award winners – supermarket chains that are helping the environment by using environmentally friendly refrigeration methods to reduce harm on the Earth’s ozone layer and lessen climate change. EPA’s GreenChill winners include well-known markets in Pennsylvania.

SUPERVALU, which operates ACME Markets, Farm Fresh, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, earned GreenChill’s superior goal achievement. Whole Foods won EPA’s top award for most improved reductions in refrigerant emissions.

“As EPA GreenChill partners, these grocers are demonstrating 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

their corporate responsibility and environmental commitment in the communities they serve,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “More stores should follow their lead in helping to improve the health of our communities by reducing pollution.”

Supermarkets who are GreenChill partners use more environmentally-friendly refrigerants, reduce the amount of refrigerants they use, eliminate refrigerant leaks, adopt green refrigeration technologies and are more energy-efficient.

Whole Foods won the most improved emissions rate award for the second time since 2007, the start of the GreenChill program.

This award acknowledges the THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

GreenChill partner with the most dramatic reduction in its corporate refrigerant emissions rate from the previous year. The company’s efforts to stop refrigerant leaks led to a 17% reduction in one year.

API Names New State Executive Director The American Petroleum Institute today announced Stephanie Catarino Wissman as executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania, a division of API, effective Oct. 10.

“Wissman has a proven track record of leadership and advocacy skills that will help advance the oil |

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and natural gas industry’s progrowth and pro-jobs mission in Pennsylvania,” said API Senior Director of State Government Relations Rolf Hanson. “She understands the importance of domestic oil and natural gas production, the critical resources for energy that will come from the Marcellus Shale and the advantages it will bring to the Commonwealth in terms of job creation and

economic growth.”

Wissman joins API-PA after serving as director of government affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, the largest broad-based business advocacy association in Pennsylvania. She has also served as manager of government affairs for Embarq, a global integrated communications provider.

Wissman is a graduate of Penn State University and resides in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania is engaged in all aspects of Pennsylvania’s oil and natural-gas industry, from development in the Marcellus Shale to oil refining and marketing of transportation fuels.

Clover Club Prepares To Lunch The Annual Clover Club Lunch is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 11:45 a.m., at the Union League.

People interested in attending this

tradition-rich event should reserve their seat at once. Cost for the lunch is $35. Guests are welcome.

Speaker will be Hon. Seamus McCaffery, Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

‘Aspects Of Love’ Delights The Senses

by Bonnie Squires After the intense build-up to the 10th anniversary observances of 9/11, we needed something to lighten our spirits, to lift our hearts. Fortunately, the Walnut Street Theatre had scheduled exactly the right production to whisk us away to another country, another time, and beguile our senses with the most-gorgeous voices, the most-beautiful actors, the most-extraordinary sets, and the cleverest staging.

We are talking here about Andrew CHARLES HAGERTY and Jennifer Hope Wills enact one of many Lloyd Weber’s “Aspects of Love”, steamy romantic entanglements in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s play.

Photo by Mark Garvin which will send your senses far away to post-World War II France Changes Everything.”

Scannelli. Her mother Lisa told and Italy, charming you with love me her husband and she were seetriangles and pentangles and conI was fortunate to have been ing the show for the eighth time, fusion and complication and obseated next to the parents of the and they enjoyed it more each fuscation. But the voices and the time. music soar, and you will probably 15-year-old actress who plays Jenny Dillingham, Jenna Brooke leave the theater humming, “Love 6|

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Jenna, who plays the 15-year-old character Jenny in the play, is a performing-arts student at a Manalapan, N. J., high school. With her stage presence, glorious voice, graceful moves and gorgeous face and body, it is hard to believe she is only 15 herself. But she makes the attraction between the “hero” of the piece, Alex Dillingham (played beautifully by Charles Hagerty) and her character quite believable – if a bit mysterious.

The mystery is: Who fathered Jenny? We never find out, but it floats like a cloud above the stage throughout the second half of the play. Each member of the audience will probably hazard a guess.

It was not until intermission time that Lenny Karabell, my former Yeadon HS student, caught up with me. Lenny, or “Len” as he is listed in playbill, is the long-time controller of the Walnut Street Theatre. He and his wife were obviously delighted with this ambitious production, and they have every right to be proud as well.

The original production of “Aspects of Love,” after a string of major hits on Broadway by Weber, including “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera,” was not well received, to put it mildly. I suspect one reason, which the critics in the ’90s refrained from putting into their reviews, was the more-than-suggestion of bisexual love, one of the many aspects of love which Weber was dealing with in the play.

But don’t let that turn you off – all of the couplings are done in very good taste. The voices and the bodies, as I mentioned before, are 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

just gorgeous. And when was the last time you had an honest-togoodness real orchestra playing in the orchestra pit? Well, the Walnut Street Theatre does not stint on any of the elements which make up a fabulously entertaining evening. And I, for one, love to see love stories acted out on the stage.

a while, when the conflicted love object decides to live with and eventually marry the rich uncle, forcing the crushed young nephew to sign up for the war, creating problems for the mistress who loves both the uncle and the love object, who reciprocates. Complications galore.

The opening scene, which is obviously a gathering for a funeral at the gravesite, occurs behind a curtain, in shadows, and in the rain, with lots of black umbrellas held by the cast. It reminded me of a scene from “Sundays in the Park with George,” which I saw on Broadway a very long time ago.

(We find out towards the end of the show whom the funeral is for, so most of the play is flashback.)

And then, years later, after decades of no contact, the grown-up young man decides to come visit the uncle and his now-wife. There is an additional family member, the daughter (the young Jenny is played alternately by Arin Edelstein and Claire Norden, and the morphing into the older Jenny is quite clever and balletic.)

In fact, the use of gauzy curtains, with graceful members of the cast sliding in and out unobtrusively, either to close or open the curtains, was extremely clever and effective. And the backdrops, which ranged from a Van Gogh-like “Starry Starry Night” to the canals of Venice, are almost Day-Glo colors and extremely eye-catching.

Did I say “gorgeous”? That’s the adjective which most comes to mind when trying to describe the various couplings, uncouplings, difficult decisions, heartaches and heartbreaks.

“Love changes everything” is an accurate description of what happens when a teenager falls in love with an older woman, an actress (by older, we probably mean 30!), when an experienced uncle of said teenager falls in love with the love object, even though the uncle has had a gorgeous Italian mistress for THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

The would-be French actress Rose, is played most winningly by the gorgeous (there’s that word again!) and very talented Jennifer Hope Wills (a lot of “Jennys” in this play!), who even had a turn as Christine in Weber’s “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway. Her two male lovers, the younger played by Hagerty, and the older played by Paul Schoeffler, are a match in every way for the captivating Wills.

There is talent galore in every aspect of “Aspects of Love” and you have until Oct. 23 to give yourself a present and buy tickets for the production at the Walnut Street Theatre. Be sure to tell Len Karabell I sent you!

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